SMC Pathfinder — Which Skilled Migrant Pathway Fits You?

Since 24 August 2026, the Skilled Migrant Category has three pathways to residence instead of one. They reward different things (qualifications and pay, trade training, or years of experience), and which one suits you depends on your occupation, your pay and your work history. This tool checks you against all three and shows which are open, which are close, and what is standing in the way.

Free, no signup, and it takes about three minutes.

The three pathways at a glance

Points-based (6 points). Points from qualifications, occupational registration or income, topped up with New Zealand skilled work experience. Usually the best fit for degree holders and higher earners. For a full points count, use our SMC Points Calculator.

Trades and Technician. For people working in one of the eligible trade and technician occupations. You need a relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above, then 4 years of experience gained after that qualification, including at least 18 months of skilled work in New Zealand paid at or above the SMC wage threshold.

Skilled Work Experience. For people with substantial experience but without the qualifications or income to reach 6 points. You need 5 years in total: 3 years of directly relevant experience, plus a further 2 years of skilled work in New Zealand paid at least 1.1 times the SMC threshold ($38.50 an hour for experience starting on or after 9 March 2026).

Your occupation can change which pathways are open. Roles on the Red List can use the points-based pathway only. Roles on the Amber List need higher pay (1.2 times the threshold) and all 3 years of relevant experience gained in New Zealand for the Skilled Work Experience pathway.

Who it's for

AEWV holders who didn't reach 6 points before August 2026 and want to know whether a new pathway changes that. Tradespeople deciding whether their qualification counts. Graduates and offshore applicants weighing up a New Zealand job offer. And anyone who has been told they are "close" and wants to know which route they're close on.

How to use it

1. Choose your occupation from your actual duties, not the title on your contract. It decides your skill level, your wage threshold and which lists you're on.
2. Enter your hourly pay. If your hours are variable and you're salaried, INZ may calculate your rate on your maximum hours, so do the same.
3. Add your qualifications. For Trades and Technician, the qualification must be relevant to your trade, and only experience gained after it counts.
4. Add your work history with start and end dates, both in New Zealand and overseas, including when your pay first reached the threshold.

Where it stops

The Pathfinder can't assess substantial match, how NZQA will assess your qualification, or whether your employment will be accepted as genuine. Self-employment doesn't count towards the Trades and Technician or Skilled Work Experience pathways. And where more than one pathway is open, the best choice often comes down to timing, especially if your visa will expire before you qualify.

If the answer matters to you, book a 30-minute consultation ($99) with a licensed adviser. It is far cheaper than a declined residence application.